Maryland Shoplifting & Theft
Charges
Arrested for Theft in Maryland? Fight Back With
a Tough Defense Lawyer on Your Side
Theft is a general term
that encompasses any incident in which someone
takes the property of another with the intent to
permanently deprive the true owner of that
property.
Theft is a consolidated legal term under Maryland
Laws (MGA §7–102) That includes shoplifting,
larceny, false pretenses, and receiving stolen
property. So, for example, Maryland shoplifting
laws are the same as theft laws. Penalties
directly relate to the cost or value of goods
stolen.
Related to theft which are more serious charges,
include:
-
Burglary. Burglary is breaking
and entering in the house, car, boat, business,
etc. of another with the intent of committing a
felony therein, usually a theft.
-
Robbery. Robbery is taking
directly from a person by use of force, threat,
or intimidation. A robbery is a theft plus an
assault.
Maryland Theft/Shoplifting Penalties
Under Maryland Criminal law, the penalty for
a theft charge is related to the value of the
goods allegedly stolen. If the value of the
stolen property is over $1000, then the
crime is a felony. If the
value of the property is under $1000, then
the crime is a misdemeanor. In
addition to the possibility of jail time,
Maryland law requires the property to be
restored to the owner or that the owner be
compensated for the value of the stolen
property, i.e. restitution.
CRIMES INVOLVING THEFT
| Charge |
Penalty |
| Theft, Less than $100 |
Maximum of 90 days in jail |
| Theft, Less than $1000 |
Maximum—18 months; Fine—$1000 |
| Theft, Greater than $1000 |
Felony Charge. Maximum—15 years; Fine—$25,000 |
| Theft by Use of Computer Service,
Less than $1000 |
Maximum—18 months; Fine—$500 |
| Theft by Use of Computer Service,
Greater than $1000 |
Maximum—15 years; Fine—$25,000 |
| Theft of Motor Vehicle* |
Maximum—5 years; Fine—$5,000 |
*Is Theft of a Motor Vehicle a Lesser Offense
Than Theft over $1000?
No. In Motor Vehicle theft cases, under Maryland
law (MGA §7–105), you can be alternately charged
under MGA §7–104 with a theft valued at more than
$1000, and face the maximum penalties of 15 years and
a $25,000 fine.
Also, under the Theft of a Motor Vehicle statute,
you are required to either return the car or
compensate the victim for full replacement value.
Can I Be Charged With Theft If I Found
Something, or it Was Delivered to me By Mistake?
Yes. Under Maryland law, it is considered a theft
if you know an item does not belong to you, and you
fail to take reasonable measures to locate the
owner.
This could including finding something in a
public space, and not making a reasonable effort to
locate a lost and found.
If a package was delivered to you by mistake, it
would be reasonable for you to contact either the
sender or the carrier to notify them of the mis-delivery.
You can definitely be charged under Maryland theft
laws (MGA §7–104 - of the Maryland General
Assembly).
Call For a Free Defense Consultation on Maryland
Theft or Shoplifting Charges
I will consult with you on any theft, shoplift,
or related criminal charges
in Maryland in my free legal consultation. If you've been
arrested and charged with a crime in the state of
Maryland, you need help as soon as possible. The
first step is to talk to an attorney who handles
criminal defense cases every day. I will help you
figure out your options and what to do next to
protect your right, your freedom, and keep your
record clean. Call me at
(888) 452-4344
for a no obligation, criminal defense
consultation.
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